Bhubaneswar, March 13: Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Friday inaugurated two-day Global Summit on Blue Economy 2026 at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan here, presenting the State’s vision under Viksit Odisha @2036.
The inaugural session witnessed participation from over 500 attendees, including policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, startups, and students. During the session, the Blue Economy Technology Compendium was released, along with an academic Abstract Book, and the Startup Showcasing Pavilion was inaugurated, highlighting key innovations and technological advancements by 26 startups across the coastal region of Odisha, contributing to sustainable ocean-based development.
Highlighting the potential of ocean-based sectors to drive economic growth, Chief Secretary Garg emphasised Odisha’s EDGE in economy, demography, geography, and ecosystem, along with its 575 km coastline. She outlined the ambition for Odisha to contribute 5% to the country’s GDP by 2047, with key contributions expected from fisheries, maritime infrastructure, coastal tourism, and marine biotechnology through OMBRIC.
She reiterated the vision of “Think India, Think Odisha,” positioning the state as an emerging hub for Blue Economy growth and innovation.
Providing the national perspective under Viksit Bharat @2047, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, highlighted the vast potential of the oceans, noting that over 95% of the deep ocean remains unexplored globally.
He emphasised both the opportunities in sectors such as offshore energy and marine biotechnology, and the challenges of climate impacts, coastal erosion, and marine pollution, stressing the need for stronger research and innovation to sustainably harness ocean resources.
Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to India, shared insights on his country’s focus on strengthening marine and coastal sectors and highlighted the importance of international cooperation and partnerships in advancing Blue Economy initiatives.
NBS Rajput, Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department highlighted the strategic importance of Odisha’s coastline and maritime resources. He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration, improved infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable practices to strengthen key sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture and support coastal livelihoods.
The two-day summit is being organised by the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC) Foundation, an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, under the guidance of PM-STIAC, in association with the Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha.
The inaugural plenary began with a welcome address by Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman, BCKIC Foundation, who underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing India’s Blue Economy.
Over the two-day programme, the discussions will cover key sectors including fisheries and mariculture, marine biodiversity, climate resilience, maritime security, marine pollution, offshore energy, deep-sea mining, marine biotechnology, and AI-enabled ocean intelligence.
Participation from students, researchers, and faculty forms another key component of the event, with abstracts published in the Conference Abstract Souvenir. Selected research contributions will have the opportunity for publication and excellence recognition in association with Taylor & Francis.
The summit aligns with India’s vision of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Viksit Bharat @2047, while highlighting Odisha’s growing role in advancing sustainable ocean-based development. With its long coastline and strategic maritime position, Odisha is increasingly emerging as a hub for innovation and sustainable ocean-based industries.
